This is why I was confident that the Ghanaian 4x100m men's team would be at Paris 2024:

Number of Teams for Paris 2024: 16

Qualification period: 31 DEC 2022 - 30 JUN 2024

Sanctioned competitions:

4x100m open championships- must have a minimum of four countries for World Athletics to recognize it.

World Relays are divided into two rounds, with round 1 containing four heats and round 2 containing three heats.

Qualification format for 16 teams at the World Athletics relay - 1st and 2nd places out of the four heats of round 1.

The teams that placed first and second on the 3 heats of round 2.

The teams with the best times for the year in perspective (this is how Netherlands qualified despite being disqualified in heat 2 of round 2 at the Bahamas relay and Trinidad & Tobago qualified despite not finishing (DNF) in heat 3 of round 2 at the Bahamas relay.

Credit: World Athletics

Ghana has qualified to the Paris 2024 Olympics in Athletics 4x100m, which is one of the favourite events people are interested in.

The qualification did not come easy as they dropped the baton on Saturday in the heats which included World champions USA and Olympic champions Italy as well as Jamaica and Canada at the Thomas Robinson Stadium in Nassau, Bahamas.

The squad comprising Ibrahim Fuseini, Isaac Bostio, Benjamin Azamati and Joe Paul Amoah made amends on Sunday with a blistering run of 38. 29secs. to beat Nigeria the African Games champions who made 38. 57secs. in a sweet revenge to qualify for Paris.

The official split times for Ghana were: Fuseini - 10.69, Botsio - 9.13, Azamati - 9.35, Joe Paul - 9.12. The 38.29s is a Season’s Best (SB) for Team Ghana.

The USA with Noah Lyles made 37.40secs, while the female team made a new record of 41.85secs.

Many Track & Field fans have congratulated the team and Ghana Athletics.

“We made it this time around. Man, no be God. Paris Olympics” said Botsio

Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo of myjoyonline posted a video of Ghana, Nigeria and Liberia celebrating together after they all made the Olympics in the men’s 4x100m relays. Nigeria’s women even joined in.

Ghana initiated the “ole” celebration and the whole of Africa was happy.

Gary Al Smith is another Ghanaian sports journalist in Bahamas.

The World Athletics Relays, known as the IAAF World Relays until 2019, is an international biennial track and field sporting event held by World Athletics where teams from around the world compete in relay races, some of which are not part of the standard Olympic programme.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Jojo The Boxer Joins USA Boxing Youth Team For High Performance Training Camp in Chula Vista, California

• Jojo The Boxer Embarks On A Journey To Excellence

Joseph Awinongya Jr., aka Jojo the Boxer, is a 16 yr old Junior at St. Francis University, Joliet, Illinois. He qualified to be in the youth team and will participate in the prestigious USA Boxing Youth High Performance Training Camp. Held at the state-of-the-art Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center (CVEATC) in California, this camp is a pivotal moment in Joseph’s promising career.

The Path to Greatness

The camp is located at Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, Chula Vista, California, and the purpose is to elevate the skills, fitness, and techniques of young boxers preparing for international competitions.

Expert Coaching Staff

Joseph will benefit from the guidance of an esteemed coaching team: including USA Boxing National Developmental Coach Chad Wigle (Colorado Springs, Colorado)  and Assistant Coaches: Debra Lagares (Rochester, N.Y.), Danilo Garcia (Oakland, California), Candice Vascocu (Bullard, Texas), Eric Zimmermann  (Alexandria, VA) and Jonathan Pramas (Seabrook, N.H).

Mid-Season Preparation

The camp serves as mid-season preparation, allowing boxers to fine-tune their abilities and work collaboratively with expert coaching which ensures individual growth and team cohesion.

Talented Boxers to Watch

Joseph joins a select group of 25 promising boxers from different corners of the country. Noteworthy participants include: Marcus Luther (Washington, D.C.): Marcus is known for his powerful punches and defensive prowess in the (126 lbs), Malachi Ross (Kansas City, Missouri): Malachi possesses swift footwork and a strategic approach (156 lbs), Elijah Lugo (Marietta, Ga.): Elijah’s precision striking and ring intelligence make him a formidable contender (176 lbs) and Mesiah Nemo (San Antonio, Texas): Mesiah’s agility and counterpunching skills set him apart (132 lbs).

Joseph’s Ascent

Joseph Awinongya Jr. is poised to make his mark in the boxing world. The USA Boxing Youth High Performance Training Camp provides the perfect platform for him to showcase his talent, determination, and unwavering commitment.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the camp, Joseph whoes parents hail from Ghana  stated, "This camp is a little bit different; no more playing around. It's a bit serious, and I like that."

Upon arrival at the camp, Joseph was greeted with a bag of boxing equipment, and clothing including Nike and Sting gear, to aid him.

Stay Updated

Connect with USA Boxing on social media for exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes footage.

• Follow Joseph Awinongya Jr.'s journey on his Instagram account: @josephawinongyajr.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Dalvin Nelson, son of the legend, Azumah Nelson who quit boxing for some time was one of the winners at the Diplo Rumble at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday. He put up a great show to stop Philip Quansah in a Lightweight contest.

Delvin who once said “Dadabas don’t box” looked very transformed in his outing as he punched and dodged very well on the night.

In other undercards Mohammed Ablor, a nephew of Azumah and speedy Wesley Ayibonte were exciting to watch, likewise Prince ‘The ‘Buzz’ Larbie and Desmond Pappoe in the juvenile bouts.

Light Flyweight Kelvin Addy fought Kelvin Amartey in an action packed bout, while African Games medalist Theophilus Allotey proved his experience against hard working Nii Noi Dowuona in their Flyweight contest.

Bantamweights Stephen Armah and Wisdom Barnor displayed, likewise Israel Commey and David Ankrah in a Lightwelterweight contest.

Henry Malm was tested by Rexford Cofie in a Light Middleweight fray, while Light Heavyweight Jonathan Tetteh aka ‘Worldwide’ was shocked to draw by Benedict ‘White Warrior’ Badu.

Janet Acquah of the Black Hitters defeated team mate Adelaide Djarbatey.

Jon Power also increased his unbeaten record to nine wins, while Freezy Mcbones knocked out Gabriel Adoko in the Light Heavyweight bout.

The crowd was entertained by acrobats and musicians Adotey Tetor and AJ Kersie.

Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) who was one of the Special Guests at the event praised the two gallant personalities who drew people from all walks of life to watch them display their boxing skills.

He said the show put up by the European Union (EU) Ambassador Irchad Razaaly and three time world champion Professor Azumah Nelson was inspiring and for a worthy course, to empower the youth.

According to the GOC President, Boxing has always won medals for Ghana at international competitions like the 2020 Tokyo Games where Samuel Takyi made Ghana and Africa proud.

Azumah Nelson aka Zoom Zoom, Terrible Terror returned to the boxing ring for the first time in 16 years for the exhibition bout which attracted members of the diplomatic corps. The French, Kenya, Togo, Mauritius Ambassadors to Ghana were all present.

Also in attendance were the Osu Manste Nortse Nii Nortey Owuo IV, Ambassador Ray Quarcoo, Presidents of the GBF, GBA, UCAG and officials of the EU office in Ghana.

MC Nat Attoh of Joy Sports fame made introductions, while Kokui Selormey sang the anthems of the EU and Ghana to the stage on fire.

The icon of boxing in Africa and world boxing hall of fame said he enjoyed the bout, but got tired and tried to end the rounds.

He advised the youth to choose their friends and not friends choosing them.

Ambassador Razaaly whose corner was directed by Coach Torado Bruce said boxing brought Europe and Ghana together, with the intention of supporting the youth in a positive way.

By Sammy Heywood Okine                               

The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced September 1, 2024, as the date for the Champion of Champions match, which will kick off the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season.

The one-off game will be played between the 2023-24 Ghana League champions and the MTNFA Cup winners.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) who was one of the Special Guests at the ‘Diplo Rumble’ Exhibition Catchweight Fight at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday, May 4 praised the two gallant personalities who drew people from all walks of life to watch them display their boxing skills.

He said the show put up by the European Union (EU) Ambassador Irchad Razaaly and three time world champion Professor Azumah Nelson was inspiring and for a worthy course, to empower the youth.

According to the GOC President, Boxing has always won medals for Ghana at international competitions like the 2020 Tokyo Games where Samuel Takyi made Ghana and Africa proud.

Azumah Nelson aka Zoom Zoom, Terrible Terror returned to the boxing ring for the first time in 16 years for the exhibition bout which attracted members of the diplomatic corps. The French, Kenya, Togo, Mauritious Ambassadors to Ghana were all present.

Also in attendance were the Osu Manste, Ambassodor Ray Quarcoo, Presidents of the GBF, GBA, UCAG and officials of the EU office in Ghana.

After Ring Announcer, Nat Attoh has made introductions, and Kokui Selormey sang the anthems of the EU and Ghana, the stage was set and the Ambassador was able to go three rounds with the Professor.

The icon of boxing in Africa and world boxing hall of fame who was handled by Coach Lartekwi Lartey said they were all tired, but tried to go the distance. He advised the youth to chose their friends and not friends choosing them.

Ambassador Razaaly who corner was directed by Coach Torado Bruce said boxing has brought Europe and Ghana together, with the intention of supporting Ghana Boxing.

In the undercards Mohammed Ablor, a nephew of Azumah and speedy Wesley Ayibonte were exciting to watch, likewise Prince ‘The ‘Buzz’ Larbie and Desmond Pappoe in the juvenile bouts.

Light Flyweight Kelvin Addy fought Kelvin Amartey in an action packed bout, while African Games medalist Theophilus Allotey taught tough Nii Noi Dowuona some lessons in an amateur Flyweight contest.

Bantamweights Stephen Armah and Wisdom Barnor displayed, likewise Lightweights Philip Quansah also giving Dalvin Nelson, son of the legend a good test. Nelson put up a better show to win.

Israel Commey and David Ankrah fought in a Light welterweight contest, while Henry Malm was tested by Rexford Cofie in a Light Middleweight fray.

Light Heavyweight Jonathan Tetteh aka ‘Worldwide’ was shocked to draw with Benedict ‘White Warrior’ Badu, while a female contest, Janet Acquah of the Black Hitters defeated Adelaide Djarbatey.

Jon Power increased his unbeaten record to nine, while Freezy Mcbones knocked out Gabriel Adoko in the Light Heavyweight bout.

Ace Sports Journalist and founder of Boxing Writers Association of Ghana (BWAG), Sammy Heywood Okine commended the organisers, guest artistes, media and security apparatus at the venue.

By Wendy Sampah HSTV Sports Producer

We are very pleased to announce the appointment of ISKA leadership in the nation of Ghana. The current president of the Ghana Kickboxing and Muay Thai Association, Mr. Yakubu Abdul Razak will serve as ISKA National Executive Director and Ghana Kickboxing and Muay Thai Association Vice President, Steavano Kojo Tuekpe will serve as National Operations Director.

Mr. Razak has experience in every aspect of the industry having worked as a promoter, manager and technical director for Kickboxing, Muay Thai and MMA. Mr. Tuekpe has a rich background in combat sports both as a practitioner and as an administrator.  Together they are dedicated to fostering collaboration and providing essential support for the advancement of combat sports in Ghana, ensuring a lasting impact on the sports community and youth development in his nation and Africa as a whole.  We welcome them to the ISKA global leadership family!

From Wendy Sampah

  The four children of late Black Stars and Accra Great Olympics skipper, Emmanuel Awuley Quaye aka  ‘Black Foyoo’ on Friday paid a courtesy call on the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) to formally inform about the demise and burial arrangement of their dad.

President Ben Nunoo Mensah welcomed them and shared his sympathy and condolences on behalf of all sports federations and sportsmen and women in Ghana. He narrated some experiences with the former star defender and other retired footballers.

He said the late Awuley Quaye was a great man who left a legacy because many people leant a lot from him and he was an international hero having led the Black Stars of Ghana to win the African Cup of Nations in 1978 for keeps.

He urged the children to be strong and focused as the Good Lord knows best.

“Your dad’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in Ghanaian football, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, he was in deed a great star from Korle Gonno to the world, and inspirational leadership was unique” he expressed.

Rev. Awuley Quaye Junior, who played for the Black Starlets, Black Satellites, Black Meteors and Black Stars introduced his siblings, Naa Adu, Abdullah, and Lawrencia. He announced that the burial has been fixed for June 8, 2024 at the forecourt of the State House.

Accompanying them was ace sports journalist Dan Kweku Yeboah.

Present at the GOC conference room were Mr. Albert K. Frimpong, President of African Baseball, Rev. E.D. Nikoi, President of Ghana Netball and Yours Truly.

Emmanuel Awuley Quaye who played a pivotal role in Ghana Football died on March 25, 2024. In 2023, the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) honoured him at their 47th awards ceremony, recognizing his significant contributions to football.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghanaian talent Abdul Fatawu Issahaku emerged victorious at Leicester City’s awards ceremony, claiming the prestigious Men’s Young Player of the Year title during Tuesday night’s event.

The award serves as a fitting recognition of Issahaku’s stellar contributions to the Foxes’ campaign, showcasing his remarkable talents since joining the club on loan from Sporting CP last summer.

The ceremony, held at the iconic King Power Stadium, brought together the club’s playing and technical staff across all levels to honor individuals who played pivotal roles throughout the season.

Issahaku’s standout performances throughout the season endeared him to the Leicester faithful, as evidenced by his impressive tally of seven goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.

Notably, Issahaku played a key role in Leicester City’s triumphant 2023/24 Championship campaign, contributing to a total of 19 goals and assists under the stewardship of manager Enzo Maresca. His dynamic displays included six goals and 13 assists, culminating in a historic hat-trick against Southampton in a memorable 5-0 victory at home last month.

As Leicester City gears up for Premier League action next season following their successful campaign in the English second tier, Issahaku harbors hopes of securing a permanent deal with the club, buoyed by his exceptional performances throughout the season.

Source sportsblog247

Bronze medalist Edmund Govina, a first timer Track & Field Para Athlete from Ghana who placed 3rd in the F46 Men's Discuss throw with a personal best PB distance of 18.04 meters at the 2024 World Para Athletics Grand Prix Marrakech in Morocco, a qualifier event to PARIS 2024 in France has disclosed that he was not born disabled but had an accident.

“Sports is Life!. I lost hope and never believed sports could give me exposure.

I was involved in a traumatic amputation at Suhum in a car accident on 2nd September 2018. During the rehabilitation, I discovered a program run by the NPC Ghana called Para Sports Against Stigma - PSaS. I contacted the NPC Ghana, and Today, I am a proud National Athlete. My target is to represent Ghana at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games” Edmund Govina T46 Para Athlete said in an exclusive interview.

According to him, it is about time to encourage and motivate para athletes and they will bring laurels to the nation.

By Sammy Heywood Okine